Use And Importance Of Barcode System In Libraries

What is Barcode?

A Barcode is defined as a coded pattern which contains an information encoded in a series of stripes of black bars of varying line weight, it is divided by a white space between one or two black bars. It can also represent a series of numbers or strings of information. It provides an ease of information of recognition by using a barcode reader device or an optical reader device. It is read by a scanner which decodes the coded bars and sends into the computer to be decoded. The computer identifies the bars as “0” and “1” (Zeroes and ones) and the white spacers as “off” or “on”. This bars and spaces can only be identified and decode by a computer. Working of Barcode System A Barcode works somewhat similar to a keyboard does.

As pressing a key in the keyboard sends a signal that contains a character code of the computer, reading a barcode is similar in the same kind of signals being sent from a keyboard to the computer processor. This barcode acts as a unique Identification or control number, the barcodes are embedded with the information and details of the individual item. Thru the process of scanning the barcode, the light is reflected from the barcode and the picked-up, the barcode reader receives less light from the black bars thin from the spaces between. Then after the barcode reader finished scanning the barcode, it converts into a form that is readable and can recognized by the computer. The barcode scanner is directly connected thru USB (Universal System Bus) port in the computer. The application of the barcode technology is implemented in the libraries to view data entry process.

This process has its advantages:

• Increased accuracy: Accurate data entry is possible with the use of barcode technology. Studies have shown that with manually collected data, the error rate is 01 in 300 characters, whereas in automated data reading system, the error is nil.
• High speed: Data entry is fast, rather than manual entry or personnel with a data entry rate of two or three characters per second. Barcodes entry rates are often 30 characters per second.
• More timely information: All information must be updated to be valuable or usable. Storage and retrieval process by scanning is instantaneous, thus information can always be updated at all times.
• Lower labor Cost: Automated data collection eliminates the time-consuming manual data entry work, it provides greater accuracy and saves time from decoding erroneously entered data and reduces administrative time correcting erroneous entered data information.
• Better services: With a faster process of encoding and receiving information, better services can be provided to the users.

Stocks-taking

There are many methods available for stocks-taking and verification. Manual methods consumes more time and more staff personnel is involved, thus the chances of error is high and sometimes libraries are closed partially, of not fully. As a compelling need for errorless data entry, computers replaced the manual methods. When barcodes are implemented for this purpose, data are all automatic, errorless, and saving time is ensured. And also the database on the library stock is always be updated.